Loveland Choral Society's spring show offers a modern day fairy tale with lessons for a tech savvy world in "Fantasy, Farce and Fable."

"Kids these days want technology to fix everything and make it right," said the play's writer Aviva Pflock. Phones and other mobile devices provide quick and easy answers to daily questions. Users can get directions, instructions and trivia in a matter of seconds.

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"I think we lose a lot of personal connections because of that, and we almost lose the ability to think on our feet and problem solve," she said.

The show, "Fantasy, Farce and Fable," is a revamping of an LCS show from 1994. Society director Cliff Schultz and other members of the production crew worked with Pflock on the concept. They mixed some of the same music from the show and with new music. Material that they incorporated into the show includes songs from the Broadway versions of "Aladdin," "Kinky Boots," "Finding Neverland" and "Pippin."

Hannah Schultz and Zach Van Thyune play Ella and Eric in Loveland Chorale Society's "Fantasy, Farce and Fables." The show runs April 28-May 5 at the Rialto Theater in Loveland. (Courtesy photo)

The updated version follows two kids on a snow day adventure with their Fairy Godmother (aka Fairly Odd Mother) after a power outage leaves them with no phones or other technology. The kids have to find their way in the world with updated fairy tale characters that reflect modern times but with no help from gadgets and gizmos. While Cinderella and Snow White are busy taking selfies, the play's two heroes, Eric and Ella, have to find their way with only their common sense to guide them.

"It's kind of ironic when the kids see Cinderella with a phone and the two princesses taking selfies and they can't," Schultz said.

The show will be performed April 28, 29 and 30 and May 4, 5 and 6 at the Rialto Theater in Loveland.

On April 28, with Family Fantasy Night, LCS will try something new.

"We are offering an evening of fun and games for the family" said Schultz. The night includes face painting, princess autographs and other activities. There will also be special ticket prices: $18 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. All other performances will cost $18 for all attendees.

The Loveland Choral Society Gala is planned for May 4 at the Rialto Theater. The night features food, drinks and a silent auction. Tickets are $50. Proceeds from the auction and ticket sales go to LCS to support the group.

Actors' first lead roles

Zach Van Thyune, 12, and Hannah Schultz, 10, lead the play as Eric and Ella. They are accompanied by Roberta Leeds as the Fairy Godmother.

"He's just an average kid and he kind of fights with his sister. He's just normal," said Zach of his character.

As with all fairy tales, there are lessons to be learned. The overall message is that you don't need a computer or phone to survive or figure out how to get some place, Zach said, but he also saw his character learn a few things about bravery and getting along with his sister.

"For my character personally, it's that (he) discovers who he is and where he fits in," Zach said.

Zach has performed in plays before, but this is his first lead roll.

"It was really exciting," he said about being in the show, "because I really like acting, but I haven't had an opportunity this big before."

Hannah was sort of born into her role. She is the granddaughter of the LCS director, and her dad, Schultz's son, who has performed with LCS much of his life, is in the play.

"I love it so much. It's so much fun to do," Hannah said of performing with her family. She has performed in other LCS shows and in smaller plays but this is her first lead role as well.

"It's exciting and nerve wracking at the same time, but I still love it," she said.

About her role as Ella, Hannah said, "I love how sassy she is and I get to boss everyone around and that's my favorite."

Even though her character is pretty heartbroken about no having access to her phone, Hannah said she herself would be OK with it.

"As me in real life, I like my electronics," she said, "but I can live without them."

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